TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) today urges Florida residents to get prepared for Tropical Storm Nestor, which is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to bring heavy rains and winds to Florida today and tomorrow.

“APCIA is encouraging Floridians to keep an eye on Tropical Storm Nestor that is currently in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to bring heavy rains and winds to the Panhandle, as well as storm surge along the coast today and tomorrow,” said Logan McFaddin, assistant vice president for APCIA. 

The National Weather Center (NHC) issued a tropical storm warning yesterday impacting the Florida Panhandle coast with a storm surge watch also issued from Indian Pass to Clearwater, Florida.  The NHC issued an advisory this afternoon saying the disturbance is now Tropical Storm Nestor, and the storm surge and tropical storm warnings continue for portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

“While under a tropical storm warning, it is important for Florida residents to take storm precautions seriously,” continued McFaddin.  “Disturbances can bring dangerous flooding and storm surge no matter the size of the storm.”

“APCIA recommends Floridians secure their properties and keep their insurer’s information handy.  Should you sustain property damage from the storm, be sure to contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claim’s process.”

APCIA recommends taking the following precautions during hurricane season:

• Safety first. Make an evacuation plan for your family, including your pets. Always follow emergency officials’ guidance for both evacuating before the storm, and returning to an impacted area after the storm.
• Review your property insurance policy, especially the “declarations” page, and check whether your policy pays replacement costs, or actual cash value for a covered loss.
• Inventory your household items, and photograph or videotape them for further documentation. Copies of receipts for expensive items is recommended. Keep this information and your insurance policies in a safe place.
• Keep the name, address, and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurer in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Protect your property by covering all windows with plywood or shutters, moving vehicles into the garage when possible, and placing grills and patio furniture indoors. Move all small objects off of porches or out of yards as flying debris can be very dangerous.
• Keep all receipts for any repairs to submit with your insurance claim.
• Be careful about unscrupulous contractors following a natural disaster. Contact your insurer, agent, or local business bureau for recommendations and references on potential contractors, and ask for certificates of liability and workers’ compensation before signing contracts.
• Make sure watercraft are stored in a secure area, like a garage or covered boat dock. A typical homeowner’s policy will cover property damage in limited instances for small watercraft, and separate boat policies will provide broader, more extensive property and liability protection for larger, faster boat, yachts, jet skis and wave runners. Additional information can be found on APCIA’s Hurricane Headquarters page.

Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowners policy; however, flood insurance coverage can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program or your insurance company.  Flood insurance coverage typically has a 30-day waiting period between the date of purchase and when the actual flood coverage goes into effect. However, water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy’s comprehensive insurance coverage.